Santa Rosa – After several days of productive discussions with community members, city leaders, and police command staff, Police Chief Rainer Navarro announced the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) will stop using the carotid restraint as a use-of-force procedure effective immediately.

“The decision to change this policy is the right one right now,” explains Police Chief Rainer Navarro. “Our mission at SRPD has always been to make our city a safe place to live work and play. We want to stay true to this mission and make sure our community knows that we are listening.”

Additionally, SRPD and the City of Santa Rosa’s Office of Community Engagement are working together to develop a robust action plan outlining steps and strategies for more meaningful changes in Santa Rosa, specifically, to increase community dialogue and engagement around Police Department policies. More information and opportunities for community input on this plan is forthcoming.

“I stand by the Police Department’s decision to end this use-of-force technique in alignment with the State’s recent recommendations,” said Mayor Tom Schwedhelm. “The Chief is listening to those who have been speaking up in our community and we look forward to continued discussions about how we can improve law enforcement practices in our community and across the country.”

###